The new 11-hole short course will open to the public on May 19, 2026
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, the award-winning, AAA Four-Diamond all-seasons resort, offers a first look at Wee Nip, its new 11-hole short course opening on May 19, 2026. Wee Nip introduces a relaxed, social way to experience golf at the resort.
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The new 11-hole short course Wee Nip at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa will open to the public on May 19, 2026
Designed by award-winning Dusenberry Design, Wee Nip is an inviting yet thoughtfully challenging short course created for golfers of all skill levels. Combining creativity, strategy and fun, the course features holes averaging about 90 yards and is built for the pure enjoyment of the game. With rounds typically taking 90 minutes or less, the new course is perfect for golfers of all skill levels — from beginners trying golf for the first time to experienced players looking for a playful contest. Wee Nip encourages golfers to enjoy a quick round, improve their short-game skills, or add an extra layer of fun to a traditional golf day.
Wee Nip celebrates the long-standing tradition of camaraderie that follows a round of golf. While “wee” may suggest something small, the course delivers meaningful challenge through creative shot-making and strategic layout, paired with nostalgic touches including a physical scorecard for those who want to track their progress. Shots can be played low, under the wind, skimming the ground before reaching the greens, used for practice or as an introduction to the sport. The course is also available for full group buyouts, making it ideal for groups of avid golfers and newcomers to the game.
“In Scotland they say, ‘let’s have a wee nip of Scotch,’ and it felt like the perfect inspiration for a short course like this," shared Greg Marcus, CEO of Marcus Corporation. “Wee Nip is meant to be welcoming. Keep score or don’t. Just come out, take a swing, and have some fun. It’s about enjoying the game in a lighter, more social way, whether you’re a serious golfer or just picking up a club for the first time.”
The Wee Nip experience concludes at the “12th hole,” a designated gathering spot where players can relax with a drink or share stories and extend the round beyond the final putt. Designed as a social extension of play, the 12th hole features a whiskey-inspired menu, music, yard games and casual seating for groups. Guests can relax around fire pits in teak Adirondack chairs, enjoy lawn games and the beautiful golf setting. Casual and inviting, the space encourages guests to kick off their shoes, turn their hats backward, and enjoy one final round together, complete with a welcoming wee nip for every guest.
All revenue from golf rounds on Wee Nip’s opening day will be donated to the local nonprofit, United Way of Walworth County, which unites and empowers Walworth County by mobilizing financial resources and fostering collaboration among nonprofits.
“We’re excited to announce the official opening of Wee Nip,” shared Skip Harless, Managing Director of Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. “Wee Nip invites players to embrace creativity and enjoy the social aspects of golf. A short course, yes - but one that celebrates skill, strategy, a well-placed wedge, and moments you won’t forget. Let’s have a ‘wee nip’ of curated whiskey before or after a fun round of golf.”
Wee Nip joins Grand Geneva’s established golf offerings, which include two championship courses, Brute and Highlands, opening in April before Wee Nip’s debut.
Brute, Grand Geneva’s signature course, is widely regarded as one of the Midwest’s most challenging courses. The par-72 course, designed by the legendary Robert Bruce Harris, features massive bunkers, expansive greens and picturesque challenges. Highlands, designed by Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus and later refined by Bob Cupp, offers a complementary experience with scenic terrain, rolling elevation and wide fairways for bold swings and thoughtful play.
Together, Wee Nip, Brute and Highlands create three distinct ways to play, ranging from championship golf to fast, social short-course rounds, reinforcing Grand Geneva Resort & Spa as a premier Midwest destination for golfers seeking a variety of traditional and modern experiences in one setting.
For more information on Wee Nip and golf at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, visit www.grandgeneva.com
About Grand Geneva® Resort & Spa
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is an award-winning, AAA Four-Diamond all-seasons resort set on 1,300 acres in the legendary southeastern Wisconsin community of Lake Geneva. Located 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa features 358 guest accommodations, including deluxe rooms and suites, along with 29 villas. On site, guests can enjoy the WELL Spa + Salon; two championship 18-hole golf courses; The Mountain Top, a ski and snowboard facility; 62,000-square-feet of meeting and convention space and three restaurants. Also on the resort’s grounds is the Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, featuring 225 guest suites and 50,000 square feet of year-round, indoor/outdoor waterpark excitement, bringing the total number of rooms on the Grand Geneva campus to 612. For more information, please visit www.grandgeneva.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
About Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Marcus Hotels & Resorts owns and/or manages 17 hotels, resorts and other properties in the U.S. The company’s distinctive portfolio includes city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts, historic properties, and premium branded and independent first-class hotels. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is an approved operator for all major lodging brands. A leader in the hospitality industry since 1962, Marcus Hotels & Resorts creates asset value for hotel owners through its expertise in management, development and product repositioning. This includes unique food and beverage concepts, developed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, such as Mason Street Grill, The Studio Kitchen & Cocktails, Milwaukee ChopHouse, Miller Time® Pub & Grill, and SafeHouse® Restaurant. For more information, please visit: http://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Marcus Corporation
Headquartered in Milwaukee, Marcus Corporation is a leader in the lodging and entertainment industries, with significant company-owned real estate assets. In addition to its lodging division, its theatre division, Marcus Theatres®, is the fourth largest theatre circuit in the U.S. and currently owns or operates 985 screens at 78 locations in 17 states under the Marcus Theatres, Movie Tavern® by Marcus and BistroPlex® brands. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.marcuscorp.com.
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Grand Geneva Resort & Spa introduces Wee Nip, an 11-hole short course opening May 19, 2026, designed to make golf more social, approachable and time-friendly for today’s players.
